Methods and apparatus for control using control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network

Abstract

The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network, such as an Ethernet.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This application claims the priority of the following United States Patent Applications: U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 139,071, entitled OMNIBUS AND WEB CONTROL, filed Jun. 11, 1999; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 144,693, entitled OMNIBUS AND WEB CONTROL, filed Jul. 20, 1999; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 149,276, entitled METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESS CONTROL (“AUTOARCHITECTURE”), filed Aug. 17, 1999; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 345,215, entitled PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH IMPROVED DISTRIBUTION, INSTALLATION, AND VALIDATION OF COMPONENTS, filed Jun. 30, 1999.[0002] The invention pertains to control systems and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for networking, configuring and operating field devices, controllers, consoles and other control devices. [0003] The terms “control” and “control systems” refer to the control of a device or system by monitoring one or more of its characteristics. This is ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] Controllers generate settings for the control devices based on measurements from sensor type field devices. Controller operation is typically based on a “control algorithm” that maintains a controlled system at a desired level, or drives it to that level, by minimizing differences between the values measured by the sensors and, for example, a setpoint defined by the operator.

[0016] Further objects of the invention are to provide such methods and apparatus as reduce the confusion, complexity and costs attendant to prior art control systems.

[0018] Still further objects of the invention are to provide such methods and apparatus as achieve confusion-, complexity- and cost-reduction without hampering manufacturer creativity and without removing incentives to development of product differentiators. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems solved by technology

If the vessel pressure is too low, the control algorithm may call for incrementally opening the heating gas valves, thereby, driving the pressure and boiling activity upwards.

Efforts such as this have been limited to specific segments of the control hierarchy (e.g., bus communications among field devices) and are typically hampered by technological changes that all to soon render the standards obsolete.

Still less uniform are the command and operation of control devices.

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